[Wednesday, February 14, 2007] New Mexico House Bill 1106, known as the Pet Owner Responsibility Act, has been introduced by Representative Gutierrez and has been assigned to the Judiciary and Appropriations & Finance Committees. If this bill is adopted, all dogs six months of age or older must be spayed or neutered. While the bill currently provides exceptions for certain breeders, fanciers, and handlers, the bill would have a profound impact on all dog owners in New Mexico. The Judiciary Committee will consider this bill Friday, February 16, at 1:30PM. It is imperative that concerned dog owners and breeders contact their Representative and the committee members to express their opposition.

The proposed law would:

Require owners to spay or neuter all dogs six months of age or older.

Require owners to apply for an intact dog permit.

Provide civil penalties for non-compliance with the Act.

Permit localities to impose more restrictive ordinances.

Points for dog owner to remember: Responsible owners should be allowed to use their own discretion in determining whether to alter their animals, spay/neuter requirements target all owners regardless of their actions. These breeders make a serious commitment to their animals, working hard to raise healthy, well cared-for dogs and work to ensure that these puppies are placed with responsible owners.

Strongly enforced animal control laws (such as leash laws) and increased public education efforts are better ways to address the issue of irresponsible dog ownership.

A public education campaign would help teach community residents about how to properly care for their pets, as well as the need to be a responsible pet owner.

Pet owners need to spay or neuter their dogs as a responsible means to prevent accidental breedings resulting in unwanted puppies. Breeders should discuss spaying and neutering options with puppy buyers who do not wish to participate in conformation events.

WHAT YOU CAN DO: Contact your representative in the New Mexico House of Representatives and let him or her know that you oppose mandatory spay/neuter and HB 1106.

Contact the members of New Mexico House Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Appropriations and Finance who will consider this bill: